Inside the White House situation room, President Joe Biden and his national security team monitored the unfolding events of Iran's attack on Israel in real-time. The United States, including Biden, had been closely watching for signs of an impending Iranian strike, leading to the interception of a large majority of the drones and missiles launched by Iran.
The defensive success was hailed as a strong demonstration of Israel's capabilities in protecting itself, backed by what the US called an unwavering commitment to supporting Israel's defense. Despite this support, Biden made it clear to the Israeli Prime Minister that the US would not assist in any potential retaliatory action, urging for a moment of reflection and assessment following the attack. The tense situation highlights the delicate balance between backing Israel and preventing further escalation in a region already on the brink of heightened conflict.
The shadow war between Iran and Israel, typically fought through proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah, escalated with Iran's direct attack on Israel following months of rising tensions. The strike, which saw the unprecedented use of hundreds of drones and missiles, marked a significant escalation in a conflict that had been simmering for months. The aftermath of the attack left both countries claiming victories but also raised questions about the potential for further retaliation and the risk of a wider regional conflict.